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Research

Maritime Research Institute Netherlands

Better Ships, Blue Oceans

Research institute MARIN is a provider of advanced expertise and independent research to the maritime industry. Together with an extensive innovation and research network, using the newest facilities and tools we help our clients achieving cleaner, safer and smarter ships and sustainable use of the sea.

Global

The EU-funded LNG PITCH4 project is developing and testing a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) tank for sea...

Markets

Markets

Life at Sea

The sea is increasingly being regarded as a location for energy generation, food production and possible living at sea. MARIN uses high-quality hydrodynamic research to support the development of floating airports, ports, energy islands and fish and seaweed farming.

Oil and Gas

During the transition to sustainable energy, oil and gas remain essential parts of our energy mix. Using our knowledge and unique facilities, MARIN contributes to improving concepts and making operations for oil and gas extraction at sea safer.

Transport and Shipping

About 90% of international trade is transported by sea. By combining our hydrodynamic and nautical expertise with knowledge of propulsion systems and of logistic and operational aspects we make transport by water cleaner, smarter and safer.

Defence

As tensions increase across the world, protection at sea is becoming ever more important. Beyond the core defence tasks, this also includes providing adequate search and rescue capability, refugee assistance and efficient customs and border patrol. MARIN operates as an independent party on the international market, cooperating with partners such as the Royal Netherlands Navy. We support the development and implementation of complex platforms and missions at sea in realistic conditions.

Renewables

The sea is becoming increasingly important for sustainable energy generation. MARIN has considerable knowledge about the behaviour of vessels and structures at sea. This enables us to contribute to efficient and sustainable solutions for (floating) wind power, floating solar panels and energy generation from tidal flows, waves and temperature differences.

Passengers and Yachting

Yacht owners, passengers and crew of luxury cruise ships and ferries are demanding ever higher standards of comfort, user convenience and luxury on board. MARIN aims to make their stay at sea as sustainable, comfortable and safe as possible.

Infrastructure

The availability of infrastructure, such as ports and waterways, is a basic requirement for economic development. By drawing up advisory reports, we contribute to the design and implementation of civil engineering projects, for instance for ports, tunnels, bridges and waterways. Shipping safety plays an important role in this respect.

Marine Systems

Clean, smart and safe maritime operations demand sustainable solutions. As well as research into complete vessels and structures, we contribute to improving sub-systems, such as innovative propulsion, steering and stabilisation systems.

Authorities and Regulators

Safe and sustainable marine operations require clear agreements and regulations. As an independent party, MARIN works together with governments, classification agencies and other market parties to develop policy advice and assess practical guidelines.

Research

Our research programme is directed to meet new trends and challenges, by developing knowledge in enabling technologies to be used in applied research.

Key technologies

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Time-domain Simulations

Measurements and Big Data Analysis

Operational Analysis and Human Factors

Research themes

Sustainable Propulsion

Waves, Impacts and Hydro-Structural

Manoeuvring and Nautical Studies

Seakeeping, Ocean Engineering and Renewables

Autonomy and Control

Key technologies

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

CFD is an important tool for obtaining a better understanding of the flow around ships and offshore structures. This programme focuses on the background development of viscous-flow CFD tools and techniques.

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Key technologies

Time-domain Simulations

Time-domain simulations study the motions of a structure or ship based on the force and momentum balance over a long period of time. We use these simulations for applications in engineering, experiments, simulations and on-board.

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Key technologies

Measurements and Big Data Analysis

Measurement and analysis are essential for acquiring knowledge from numerical and experimental studies. This programme provides the tools and techniques needed to gain insight into full-scale and model-scale physics.

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Key technologies

Operational Analysis and Human Factors

This program matches complex maritime operations with the capabilities of human operators eventually supported by advisory systems. It brings the end user into the design of operations and further improves the operation through studying (supported) operator performance and training development.

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Research themes

Sustainable Propulsion

We aim at ship designs that are both sustainable and suitable for operational conditions. Sustainable propulsion helps to reduce energy consumption, ship emissions and environmental impact.

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Research themes

Waves, Impacts and Hydro-Structural

Waves have a big impact on marine structures. In order to ensure safe design and operation, we are developing the specialist tools and competences needed to assess fatigue and ultimate loads.

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Research themes

Manoeuvring and Nautical Studies

Through this research programme we aim to help the maritime industry assess and improve the safety and efficiency of nautical operations, traffic flows and individual ships.

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Research themes

Seakeeping, Ocean Engineering and Renewables

The aim of this research programme is to help the maritime industry to determine the operational limits and safety of floating structures such as ships and platforms and to support the development of innovative concepts for blue growth.

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Research themes

Autonomy and Control

The next evolutionary step in shipping will be the development of autonomous sailing vessels. MARIN is playing an important role in the research and testing needed to make autonomous shipping a reality.